Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly shelved plans of sending Andreas Pereira out on loan and is likely to utilize the youngster in the first team
According to a report by The Sun, Jose Mourinho has suspended all plans of a loan move for Andreas Pereira, despite having quite a number of clubs interested in the Brazilian midfielder.
Pereira has been an integral part of the United squad in the pre-season games so far, and featured for the Red Devils against Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake. It is understood that Mourinho is impressed with the 21-year-old’s performances and is considering involving him more with the first-team squad.
The talented Brazilian was touted as the next big thing for United after having emerged from the club’s academy in recent years. However, he has failed to establish himself as a regular first-team member for United. While the youngster does not lack talent, he is believed to be a diamond in the rough and will require a lot of work.
At an attempt to groom him further, Pereira was sent out on a season-long loan spell to Granada in 2016/17. The youngster put up brilliant performances for an otherwise struggling team which finished at rock bottom in La Liga. Pereira’s skills have clearly not gone unnoticed as Mourinho is now keen on retaining the player.
Even in the pre-season tour matches, the midfielder has played a pivotal role and was often deployed in a deeper role by Mourinho, wherein he has excelled. It is important to note that Pereira played in the same position for major chunks of the previous season.
Manchester United have been struggling with the midfield situation and are targeting Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic for the same. No deal has been worked out yet and with Michael Carrick approaching his twilight years, Pereira could prove to be the answer.
He will have an ideal mentor in the form of Michael Carrick himself. Additionally, if he starts playing frequently, he is likely to adapt to the squad quickly and cement a position for himself.
However, the youngster is keen to play regular football next season and that could be in jeopardy if Mourinho manages to land Matic somehow. That can severely hamper his chances at clocking regular minutes, thus taking a toll on his form.
Having said that, if Mourinho fails to land Matic, Pereira could prove to be the ultimate surprise package in the upcoming season, and possibly act as a long-term replacement to Carrick as well.
